Match Previews

Juventus

Last updated: Tue 13 February 2018 09:17

In Brief

Juventus continue their winning march with a 2-0 away success over Fiorentina. Need to win at home to Tottenham Hotspur without conceding. Conceded only once in last 16 overall. Howedes, Cuadrado, Matuidi and Dybala still out. Barzagli and Lichtsteiner ruled out.

Looking Back

Juventus did not play a great game on the road against Fiorentina, especially in the first half. In fact, they were put under heavy pressure and risked a lot defensively. Luck was on their side, though, as Fiorentina were allowed and then disallowed, thanks to VAR, a penalty kick which could have set the match towards another direction.

A magic by Bernardeschi gave them the lead in the second half and, after risking something, they eventually killed the match off for good at the very end.

Buffon proved that he is still far from being a former player. Chiellini played the usual great defensive game and served an impressive assist to Higuain. Bernardeschi was cold enough to score despite all the booing from his former supporters. Lichtsteiner did not look particularly in form and he had to be replaced by Barzagli.

Looking Ahead

Having won 14 out of the last 16 games played, drawing twice and conceding only once, Juventus will aim at a home win against Tottenham Hotspur. It will be fundamental maintaining a clean sheet also this time out.

The longtime injured Howedes, who is ineligible, will miss out such as Cuadrado, who underwent a surgery, Matuidi and Dybala, who hopes to be back for the return fixture. Barzagli is absent due to some fatigue while Lichtsteiner will miss out from the 19-man squad because of a problem in a thigh.

Pjanic is one yellow card away from ban.

Bentancur is contending with Sturaro for a place in the midfield.

Points of Interest

Juventus last lost at home in Europe in April 2013: since then they collected 16 wins and 10 draws. This is the first time the two teams meet officially. So far, they just played 3 friendlies: Juventus won twice and the Hotspurs once.

Tottenham Hotspur

Last updated: Tue 13 February 2018 09:48

In Brief

Secured a crucial win over Arsenal in their top four race. No fresh injury concerns. Juan Foyth not registered for the competition. Toby Alderweireld and Kyle Walker-Peters also miss out.

Looking Back

A near perfect display helped Spurs clinch three crucial points against arch rivals Arsenal as a Harry Kane goal early in the second half helped them secure a hard fought 1-0 win in the north London derby.

Spurs limited Arsenal to just one shot on target over the course of 90 minutes while also looking dangerous at the other end and should have had arguably won the game by a bigger margin had they showed a better clinical touch in front of the goal.

Looking Ahead

Spurs next face another difficult clash when they take on Italian champions Juventus in the Champions League and coach Mauricio Pochettino is unlikely to make too many changes with his side in midst of a good run of form since the festive period.

There are no injury concerns for Spurs heading into the game though Pochettino has confirmed Alderweireld has not traveled with the squad as he is being given more time to return to full fitness following a lengthy injury spell. Walker-Peters and Foyth are also not part of the squad, with the latter not registered for the competition.

Points of Interest

Pretty good record on the road in Europe, losing just once and scoring on five of the last six games.

Tottenham Hotspur

Secured a crucial win over Arsenal in their top four race. No fresh injury concerns. Juan Foyth not registered for the competition. Toby Alderweireld and Kyle Walker-Peters also miss out.

Looking Back

A near perfect display helped Spurs clinch three crucial points against arch rivals Arsenal as a Harry Kane goal early in the second half helped them secure a hard fought 1-0 win in the north London derby.

Spurs limited Arsenal to just one shot on target over the course of 90 minutes while also looking dangerous at the other end and should have had arguably won the game by a bigger margin had they showed a better clinical touch in front of the goal.

Looking Ahead

Spurs next face another difficult clash when they take on Italian champions Juventus in the Champions League and coach Mauricio Pochettino is unlikely to make too many changes with his side in midst of a good run of form since the festive period.

There are no injury concerns for Spurs heading into the game though Pochettino has confirmed Alderweireld has not traveled with the squad as he is being given more time to return to full fitness following a lengthy injury spell. Walker-Peters and Foyth are also not part of the squad, with the latter not registered for the competition.

Points of Interest

Pretty good record on the road in Europe, losing just once and scoring on five of the last six games.